- Igbini Odafe, Activist Berates Govs, Says they Lack Power to Impose Curfews..
- Says, Mandate To Impose Curfew Must Be Sought, Approved By NASS, Buhari…
From Ameachi Prosper (The New Diplomat’s Delta Correspondent)
Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has imposed a 48-Hour curfew in the state. The governor has also ordered the immediate closure of all public and private schools until November 2nd.
Governor Okowa made this known in a state-wide broadcast on Thursday. The Governor said the 48-hour curfew takes effect from 6 pm Thursday, saying that this follows the unfortunate crisis happening in the country.
He said some government buildings were burnt last night in Asaba, the State capital.
The New Diplomat earlier reported that the FRSC office in Asaba has been set ablaze by hoodlums
“This SARS occasion threatens to plunge the State into chaos and anarchy. It is a clear and present danger that we must stop from happening.
“In the meantime, I have ordered the closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools in the State until Monday November 2nd 2020.
“Because of the incidence that took place last night, I hereby impose a 48-hour curfew starting 6 pm today October 22, 2020.
“It, therefore, means that everybody is expected to sit at home, exempting those on very essential service in the next 48 hours starting 6 pm today.
“Thereafter, we will review the situation and know what next steps to take,” Okowa added.
Meanwhile, a Human rights activist based in Warri, Delta State has berated governors for purportedly violating the 1999 constitution, saying they lack power to solely impose curfews without the approval of president Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly(NASS).
In a recent statement, Odafe insists that Governors Godwin Obaseki, Sanwo-Olu and Okowa are engaging in unconstitutional acts with their imposition of curfews in their respective States.
He added; ” They lack the constitutional powers to declare imposition of curfews…allegedly to maintain and secure Public Safety and Public Order as a result of criminal acts of some Nigerians not engaged in the ongoing nationwide protests.
“The provisions of section 215(4) and 305(4) of 1999 CFRN, as amended, are very clear and unambiguous. Therefore the imposition of state of curfews by both Governors are unconstitutional, null and void and should not be obeyed by citizens of Nigeria.
” These Governors MUST officially request PMB and NASS to declare such imposition of Curfews. Nobody else!”
